Backing to be banked on

BARCLAYS Bank plan to continue supporting the Sparkle Appeal for a £6m disabled children centre long after the building has been built. Many Gwent branches of the bank have made the Sparkle Appeal their charity for this year. The Argus has pledged to raise £250,000 towards the specially-adapted centre at High Cross, Newport, which will be used by children from Newport, Torfaen and south Monmouthshire. Kath Whitrow, Barclays corporate relationship manager in the Newport area, said: "It's highly likely we will develop a more ongoing relationship with the people who benefit from the building. We could do that by continuing fundraising for them. "When the building is complete we're looking to kit out a room or work on a special project that we can pinpoint and pay for." She said that after the launch the employees of Barclays in the Newport area all made a commitment to Sparkle. Ms Whitrow added: "You just want to do your best for these children. This is an opportunity to do something good in the local community." She said that they were committed to raising as much money as they could through every employee and the bank would match the amount pound for pound. Tina White, project development manager, said: "Barclays have been tremendously supportive of the Sparkle Appeal on so many levels. "They provide a really good example of all the ways companies can help; they encourage their staff to volunteer and have agreed to fundraise from within their branches. "They are constantly looking for ways to help us and have really thrown their energies into the project. "The Appeal has benefited enormously from their support and we are very grateful."